I’m so excited to have Kate here today! She is the amazing talent behind Centsational Girl!

I love Kate.

She has talent oozing out of her fingertips at all times. Her blog is creative, inspiring, informing, and just plain beautiful to look at. Kate has a beautiful and giving heart as well, which makes her truly sensational!!!

Greetings Beneath My Heart friends! Kate here, aka Centsational Girl, to help while Traci is busy moving. I met Traci in 2010 at Blissdom, and we’ve been friends ever since. I cannot express how much I adore Traci, she always has something warm and wonderful to say, and she always makes me laugh. Traci is a treasure, I know you agree!

Speaking of moving, some of you may be considering a move in the near future, or simply looking for ways to spruce up your home’s outdoor facade.

Here are eight weekend projects that are sure to make your home stand out!

1. Paint or replace your front door.

It’s amazing how much a pop of color on a front door or a fresh coat of semi-gloss can make your ‘plain Jane’ stand out from the crowd. As long as there are no homeowner’s association restrictions, go right ahead add jazz up your door with a fresh coat of paint. It’s a good idea to prime it first for durability. Be the inspiration for all your neighbors – no doubt, they’ll be painting their front door in no time too !The Little Greene; BH&G; Blissfully Domestic; Hooked on Houses; Apartment Therapy; Yellow Front Door2. Create a container garden
There’s nothing like fresh greenery and flowers on a front porch to make it come to life. Whether you choose glazed pots, classic terra cotta, hanging baskets, or dramatic urns, go with a container you love that also complements the style of your home.
Always think color, perhaps a complement to your freshly painted door. You’ll be humming ‘Home Sweet Home’ in no time with some outdoor perennials and annuals blooming on your walkway.
Pay a visit to your local nursery or garden center to learn about what grows well in your zone. There are plenty of easy care plantings available that simply require you water them a few times a week, like topiaries or small trees. If you have a proficient green thumb, by all means, impress your neighbors with your skills!

Consider other containers beyond just urns or planters. How about baskets, a painted chair, or an old dresser with plants spilling out of the drawers?
Colorful bins or even buckets make marvelous containers during the growing season.About.com; Sunset; Southern Living; Martha

3. Add a few window boxes

Window boxes are a simple architectural addition to any home that add a ton of curb appeal. They come all shapes, sizes, and many modern versions are self watering.

What’s more welcoming than a place to kick of your shoes, sit down awhile and have some lemonade on a summer day ? Here’s another opportunity to add some color to your home, with metal or painted furniture and outdoor pillows.
Porch swings are absolutely charming, especially when softened with some favorite fabrics.Country Living; Style at Home; House Beautiful

If you have the space and the budget, splurge on deep seat cushions that may just tempt you to take a nap right there on your porch. You can opt for a neutral cushion or simple stripe, then kick it up a notch with bright citrus colored pillows or softer sea and sky colors with blues and greens. Have fun with patterns, mix it up !Pottery Barn; Coastal Living; Martha

Dollar for dollar, an investment in a well landscaped front yard adds value and curb appeal to your home. Your yard design need not be complicated, although if your budget permits, you can consult with a landscape architect to really up the wow factor.
Installing a sprinkler and drip system will go a long way to ensuring your yard receives adequate water. Many regions now require drought resistant front yards, so check with your local ordinances before installing a lush (although gorgeous) front lawn.Source

Landscaping a yard typically takes more than a weekend, but how about upgrading your planting beds, feeding your lawn, or planting a few new shrubs, perennials, or trees ?

8. Light a path to your door.
If you have steps or an uneven path, lights will help prevent falls and also act as a deterrent to intruders. Low voltage lights add ambiance, cast a welcoming glow, and enhance your landscaping in the evening hours.

And for just a few more ideas, consider painting or refinishing your porch or stoop, painting your gutters, downspouts and trim an accent color, replacing your doorknob, knocker and/or doorbell with a modern finish, upgrading your mailbox, and adding a welcome mat and/or wreath.

Now that the weather has improved, what are you excited to tackle on your homefront ? Is it your yard ? Will you be planting in the upcoming weeks? Are you painting, or adding seasonal and colorful accents?

I loved this post!! So many great inspiration pictures! Two weekends ago we dug up every plant in our front yard and then had my friend (a landscape architect) go with us to the nursery and then her husband helped mine plant the new and repurpose the old plants. I love it so far. This summer is the summer for sprucing up the exterior of the house so this post had some great ideas. I’ve been at a loss for what color to paint my shutters and door. My house is white and I think I want to do those two things different colors but I want it to look cohesive. I appreciate all the tips and pictures!!

Great post! But I expected nothing less. ;) I sooooo want a porch swing. That, and painting my front door are on my to do list this summer. Not sure if either will happen, but I have them in my sights! :)Heathahlee recently posted..My Dining Room Set Needs Help and a Giveaway!